Starter issue? Any ideas?

mlowe09

Member
That's good news but again if it were my ride I would do a thorough check of the charging system as it is possible something is wrong and your new battery may suffer the same fate.
I am currently searching threads to run some checks. just trying to weed through the truck loads of info on here. Any quick advise?
 

mjb675

Member
I have an 05 chopper that did the same thing. I bought it in 2009 and the dealer mechanic told he didn't know why but a lot of them just started like that. So I put up with it for a couple years then decided to fix it. First thing I did was remove all BD wiring and rewire it like the bikes I built in the 70's. No wires in the handle bars only lights and speedo. That didn't help, new batteries didn't help, so with WSW help did the 3 phase 40amp stator and Antigravity battery that change was impressive but didn't fix it. Called S&S they told me I needed new rocker boxes or lifter spacers so I chose lifter spacers that didn't help. Called Curtis he thought the starter might be the problem and sent me a different rebuilt one I put that in. First time I pushed the start button it startled me by how fast it rolled the engine over and started. It's a little scary how easy this bike starts now I can't believe it's the same bike I was almost to the point where I was going to scrap the whole engine and drive train for one that was reliable but I think Curtis solved the problem.
 

mjb675

Member
To be honest I don't think it was just one of the thing but a combination of all. I'm beginning to think that some of the starters out there are a big part of the problem we know the electrical system isn't the best and the charging system is a joke and the batteries BD and Harley use were made when the biggest engine was 88 cu in. I'm sold on the new technologies of the antigravity batteries.
 

mlowe09

Member
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I hope the pictures come through. Is something you guys think I can clean up or should I possibly send the starter off?
 
You need to pull the transfer case off the motor and look for oil intrusion and warn brushes. Your pics show me nothing that would cause the issue you are having
 

mlowe09

Member
You need to pull the transfer case off the motor and look for oil intrusion and warn brushes. Your pics show me nothing that would cause the issue you are having
I tore down the starter. Not much oil to speak of, I cleaned everything including the contacts and reinstalled. The bike turns over now like never before. It cranks as if both plugs are removed, way faster with no struggle like before. I did a hand over hand wiring inspection on all the wiring ( did not remove the tank ). It appears in all of this somehow I might have it licked. I will update again with the successes or failures.

Again, thank you for the help. I know your time is valuable.
 
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